Systems and methods for saving and restoring scenes in a multimedia system

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for saving and restoring scenes in a multimedia system with minimal configuration are provided. The techniques of the present invention can allow the states of the components in the multimedia system to be captured in a scene. Once the scene has been saved, the scene can be restored at a later time. A remote control system for recommending scenes by comparing states of components in the current scene with states of components in saved scenes is also provided. The remote control system can also recommend scenes based on usage patterns. Moreover, the remote control system can allow users to designate one or more saved scenes as favorite scenes.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/970,292, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SAVING AND RESTORINGSCENES IN A MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM,” filed Dec. 15, 2015, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/954,787 now U.S. Pat. No.9,288,422, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SAVING AND RESTORING SCENESIN A MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM,” filed Jul. 30, 2013, which is a continuation ofU.S. application Ser. No. 12/202,796 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,519,820entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SAVING AND RESTORING SCENES IN AMULTIMEDIA SYSTEM,” filed Sep. 2, 2008, which is incorporated byreference in its entirety, for all purposes, herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This relates to portable electronic devices and more particularly tosystems and methods for saving and restoring scenes in a multimediasystem. As used herein, a scene includes the states of one or morecomponents in the multimedia system. States of components that can becaptured in a scene can include, for example, the states of lights(e.g., whether they are turned on or off and their brightness levels),the states of speakers (e.g., volume level and balance), media that isplaying on a media playback application, metadata associated with themedia that is playing, or any other suitable states.

Remote controls, such as dedicated remote controls for controllingdevices in a multimedia system, are known. Devices in the multimediasystem can include consumer electronic devices, such as televisions,set-top boxes, stereo receivers, and computers, and appliances, such aslights, window shades, and fireplaces. In addition, universal remotecontrols have been designed to interact with a wide variety of devices,so that a single universal remote control can be used to control morethan one device. For example, a universal remote control can controlboth a television and set-top box. Most of these remote controlscommunicate with the devices using infrared (IR) signals.

However, in order to configure a conventional remote control to workwith multiple devices, a user must first specify the devices that are inthe user's multimedia system. For example, the user may specify a TV, astereo receiver, and a DVD player. Furthermore, although conventionalremote controls can save and restore different pre-defined scenes (e.g.,“watch TV,” “watch DVD,” and “play game”), a user has to spend timemanually defining the scene (e.g., by specifying which device inputs touse, etc.).

Furthermore, in most conventional remote controls, a user must use acomputer to define a scene. In some cases, however, a user may want tobe able to define a scene without being restricted to using a computer.For example, the user may be watching a horror movie and may adjust thelighting and sound of the scene accordingly. The user may want to savethe states of the devices so that the scene can be restored when, forexample, the user watches another horror movie a few days later. Theuser may want to do this save instantaneously without having to use acomputer.

In addition, these conventional remote controls may wait for a user toactivate a certain scene instead of recommending scenes based on pastactivities of the user or external parameters (e.g., genre of media thatis playing, time of the day, and special occasions). For example, aconventional remote control may not be able to detect that a user isviewing a horror movie, and, as a result, suggest a saved scene that hasbeen configured for horror movies.

In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to provide systems andmethods that allow a user to save and restore scenes in a multimediasystem with minimal configuration. It would also be desirable to providesuggestions of suitable recommended scenes based on states of devices inthe scenes and usage patterns.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, a portable electronic device andmethod of operation are provided in which the device can save andrestore scenes in a multimedia system with minimal configuration. Theportable electronic device can additionally provide suggestions ofsuitable recommended scenes to the user.

In some embodiments, the portable electronic device can discover one ormore components in a multimedia system that are ready to be controlled.For example, servers on each component can broadcast one or moreidentifiers to the portable electronic device. In response to receivingthe identifiers, the portable electronic device can establish acommunications link with the components.

In some embodiments, after establishing communications with thecomponents, the portable electronic device can receive states from thecomponents. States can include software and/or hardware settings of thecomponents, such as, for example, the current volume setting, thecurrent playback speed of a media item, or the current media that isplaying. In response to receiving the states, the portable electronicdevice can provide controls to a user. In response to the usercontrolling the state of a component using the controls, the portableelectronic device can transmit the remote control commands to thecomponent.

In some embodiments, the portable electronic device can allow the userto save a scene, which can capture the states of components that areincluded in the scene. The user may customize a scene by selecting asubset of the available components in the multimedia system. Forexample, the user may delete components from the scene, add componentsto the scene, or any combination thereof. The user may also assign alabel to identify the scene. In some embodiments, the portableelectronic device can be configured to save updates to the scene.Updates can include, for example, changes in the states of one or morecomponents since the scene was last saved.

In some embodiments, the portable electronic device can allow the userto restore a saved scene. In response to the user selecting to restore asaved scene, the portable electronic device can obtain the states of thecomponents that were captured in the saved scene. The saved scene canthen be restored when the portable electronic device transmits thestates back to the components.

In some embodiments, the portable electronic device can recommend scenesbased on comparing the states of the components in the current scenewith the states of the components in the saved scenes. For example, ifthe portable electronic device determines that a user is watching ahorror movie on “TV1”, the portable electronic device can attempt tofind one or more saved scenes where “TV1” is playing another horrormovie.

In some embodiments, the portable electronic device can keep track ofusage patterns of the saved scenes (e.g., the times and frequencies thatthe saved scenes are accessed by the user). In some embodiments, theportable electronic device can recommend scenes based on usage patterns.For example, the portable electronic device can determine that thecurrent day of the week is Saturday, and can search for a saved scenethat has been accessed the most on Saturdays. As another example, theportable electronic device can determine the time of day (e.g., dayparting), and search for a saved scene that has been accessed the mostaround that time of day.

Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, there are providedsystems and methods for allowing a user to save and restore scenes in amultimedia system with minimal configuration. These systems and methodscan include a portable electronic device that can automatically capturestates of components in the multimedia system.

There is also provided a remote control system for providing a user withrecommended scenes based on states of components and usage patterns.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features of the present invention, its nature andvarious advantages will be more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing detailed description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 shows a simplified diagram of a portable electronic system whichmay be operated in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 shows a simplified diagram of another portable electronic systemwhich may be used in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 shows a simplified block diagram of a portable electronic deviceconstructed and used in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 shows a simplified block diagram of a device in a multimediasystem that can be controlled by a portable electronic device inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a simplified block diagram of an illustrative multimediasystem based on components that can be controlled by a portableelectronic device in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a communications system which can beoperated in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of an illustrative display screen of ahome screen in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of an illustrative display screen foridentifying devices that can be controlled in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of an illustrative display screen forcontrolling a device in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of an illustrative display screen foraccessing applications hosted on a device in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 shows a schematic view of an illustrative display screen forsaving a scene in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 shows a schematic view of another illustrative display screenfor saving a scene in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 13 shows a schematic view of yet another illustrative displayscreen for saving a scene in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 14 shows a schematic view of an illustrative display screen foradding devices to a scene in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 15 shows a schematic view of an illustrative display screen forproviding a summary of a saved scene in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 16 shows illustrative XML code that can be used to save a scene inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 shows a schematic view of an illustrative display screen forproviding saved scenes in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 18 shows a schematic view of an illustrative display screen forproviding a summary of a restored scene in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 shows a schematic view of an illustrative display screen forediting a restored scene in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 20 shows a schematic view of an illustrative display screen forproviding recommended scenes in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 21 shows a schematic view of an illustrative display screen forproviding favorite scenes in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 22 shows a flowchart of an illustrative process for providing auser with the capability to save and restore scenes in a multimediasystem in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 shows a flowchart of an illustrative process for providing thecontrols of a component to a user in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 24 shows a flowchart of an illustrative process for saving a scenein accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 25A-25B show flowcharts of an illustrative process for restoring ascene in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 26 shows a flowchart of an illustrative process for providingrecommended scenes in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a simplified diagram of a portable electronic system whichmay be operated in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that one or moreelements of the described embodiments can be interchanged and/orcombined in the present invention. Portable electronic system 100 mayinclude portable electronic device 102. Portable electronic device 102is shown as including display component 104 and user input component106. However, other displays and user input components can also beutilized without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Display component 104 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as a display screen thatmay be integrated into portable electronic device 102. Display component104 does not have to be integrated into portable electronic device 102and may also be external to portable electronic device 102. For example,display component 104 may be a computer monitor, television screen, anyother graphical user interface, textual user interface, or combinationthereof. Display component 104 may enable portable electronic device 102to play back the video portion of video content, serve as part of theuser interface, display command menus, or serve any other suitabledisplay functions.

User input component 106 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as a click wheel.Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that user input component 106may also be any other type of user input component or device, such as,for example, a mouse, keyboard, trackball, slider bar, one or morebuttons, portable electronic device pad, dial, or any combinationthereof. User input component 106 may also include a multi-touch screensuch as that described in Westerman et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,323,846,issued Nov. 27, 2001, entitled “Method and Apparatus for IntegratingManual Input,” which is incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety. User input component 106 may emulate a rotary phone or amulti-button portable electronic device pad, which may be implemented ona touch screen or the combination of a click wheel or other user inputdevice and a screen. A more detailed discussion of such a rotary phoneinterface may be found, for example, in McKillop et al., U.S. Publishedpatent application No. 2007/0152983, published Jul. 5, 2007, entitled“Touch Pad with Symbols based on Mode,” which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

FIG. 2 shows a simplified diagram of another portable electronic systemwhich may be used in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. Portable electronic system 200 may include portableelectronic device 202, which may be, for example, a portable mediaplayer, cellular telephone (such as Apple's iPhone), personal organizeror any other portable electronic device. Portable electronic device 202can include user interface component 204. User interface component 204,as shown in FIG. 2, is a multi-touch screen that may function as both anintegrated display screen and as a user input device. Portableelectronic device 202 may also include button 206, which may be used inconjunction with user interface component 204. Persons skilled in theart will appreciate that additional buttons or other user interfacedevices may be used without departing from the spirit of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 shows a simplified block diagram of a portable electronic deviceconstructed and used in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. Portable electronic device 300 can be implemented in or asany type of portable electronic device or devices, such as, for example,portable electronic devices 102 and 202 discussed above.

In some embodiments, portable electronic device 300 can be a portablecomputing device with remote control capabilities. For example, device300 can be a media player with wireless communications capabilities(e.g., MP3 player), such as an iPod available from Apple Inc., ofCupertino, Calif., a cellular telephone, a personal e-mail or messagingdevice (e.g., a Blackberry® or a Sidekick®), a game player, a portablecommunication device, pocket-sized personal computers such as an iPAQPocket PC available by Hewlett Packard Inc., of Palo Alto, Calif.,personal digital assistants (PDAs), a laptop computer, a remote orderinginterface, dedicated remote control devices, global positioning system(GPS) devices, or any other suitable personal device capable ofcommunicating wirelessly (with or without the aid of a wireless enablingaccessory system). In some embodiments, portable electronic device 300can be a portable device that combines multi-media processing andtelephone functionality in single integrated unit, such as an iPhoneavailable from Apple Inc. A more detailed discussion of a portableelectronic device with remote control capabilities may be found, forexample, in Cannistraro et al., U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/955,385, filed Dec. 12, 2007, entitled “Handheld Electronic Deviceswith Bimodal Remote Control Functionality,” which is incorporated byreference in its entirety.

Portable electronic device 300 can be battery-operated and highlyportable so as to allow a user to listen to music, play games or videos,record video or take pictures, place and take telephone calls,communicate with other people or devices, control other devices, and anycombination thereof. In addition, portable electronic device 300 can besized such that it fits relatively easily into a pocket or hand of theuser. By being handheld, portable electronic device 300 is relativelysmall and easily handled and utilized by its user and thus may be takenpractically anywhere the user travels.

Portable electronic devices can include processor 302, memory 304, userinterface 306, display 308, input/output circuitry 310, communicationscircuitry 312, and bus 314. In some embodiments, portable electronicdevice 300 can include more than one of each component or circuitry, butfor the sake of illustration, only one of each is shown in FIG. 3. Inaddition, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that thefunctionality of certain components and circuitry can be combined oromitted and that additional components and circuitry, which are notshown in FIG. 3, can be included in portable electronic device 300.Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that all of thecomponents can be integrated into portable electronic device 300, or oneor more of the components can be provided externally or remotely.

Processor 302 can include, for example, circuitry that can be configuredto perform any function. Processor 302 can be used to run operatingsystem applications, media playback applications, media editingapplications, any other applications, or any combination thereof.Processor 302 can drive display 308 and can receive user inputs fromuser interface 306.

Memory 304 can include one or more different types of memory or storagemediums which can be used for performing device functions. For example,memory 304 can include cache, Flash, one or more different types ofmemory used for temporarily storing data, a hard-drive, tape drive,optical drive, permanent memory such as ROM (read-only memory),semi-permanent memory such as RAM (random access memory), any othersuitable type of memory component, or any combination thereof. Memory304 can be specifically dedicated to storing firmware. For example,memory 304 can be provided for storing firmware for device applications(e.g., operating system, user interface functions, and processorfunctions). Memory 304 can be used to store any suitable user-specificor global information that can be used by portable electronic device300. Memory 304 can store, for example, media data (e.g., music andvideo files), application data (e.g., for implementing functions ondevice 300), preference information data (e.g., media playbackpreferences), lifestyle information data (e.g., food preferences),exercise information data (e.g., information obtained by exercisemonitoring equipment), transaction information data (e.g., informationsuch as credit card information), wireless connection information data(e.g., information that may enable device 300 to establish a wirelessconnection), subscription information data (e.g., information that keepstrack of podcasts or television shows or other media a user subscribesto), contact information data (e.g., telephone numbers and e-mailaddresses), calendar information data, any other suitable data, or anycombination thereof. Memory 304 can store programs or applications thatcan be run on processor 302, can maintain files formatted to be read andedited by one or more of the applications, and can store any additionalfiles that may aid the operation of one or more applications (e.g.,files with metadata).

User interface 306 can allow a user to interact with portable electronicdevice 300. For example, the device for user interface 306 may take avariety of forms, such as at least one a button, keyboard/keypad, dial,a click wheel/scrollwheel, a touch screen or any combination thereof.User interface 306 can also include an audio input device (e.g., amicrophone) or a video input device (e.g., a camera or a web cam) forrecording. A more detailed discussion of user interaction with aportable electronic device may be found, for example, in Cannistraro etal., U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/955,392, filed Dec. 12, 2007,entitled “Handheld Electronic Devices with Remote Control Functionalityand Gesture Recognition,” which is incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

Display 308 can accept and/or generate signals for presenting mediainformation (textual and/or graphic) on a display screen, such as thosediscussed above. For example, display 308 may include a coder/decoder(CODEC) to convert digital media data into analog signals. Display 308also can include display driver circuitry and/or circuitry for drivingdisplay drivers. The display signals can be generated by processor 302or display 308. The display signals can provide media informationrelated to media data received from communications circuitry 312, anyother component of portable electronic device 300, or any combinationthereof. In some embodiments, display 308, like any other componentdiscussed herein, may be integrated with and/or externally coupled toportable electronic device 300.

Input/output circuitry 310 can convert (and encode/decode, if necessary)data, analog signals and other signals (e.g., physical contact inputs,physical movements, analog audio signals, etc.) into digital data, andvice-versa. The digital data can be provided to and received fromprocessor 302, memory 304, or any other component of portable electronicdevice 300. Although input/output circuitry 310 is illustrated in FIG. 3as a single component of portable electronic device 300, a plurality ofinput/output circuitry may be included in portable electronic device300. Input/output circuitry 310 can be used to interface with any inputor output component, such as those discussed in connection with FIGS. 1and 2. For example, portable electronic device 300 can includespecialized input circuitry associated with input devices such as, forexample, proximity sensors, accelerometers, or ambient light detectors.Portable electronic device 300 can also include specialized outputcircuitry associated with output devices such as, for example, one ormore speakers.

Communications circuitry 312 can permit portable electronic device 300to communicate with one or more servers, components, or other devicesusing any suitable communications protocol. For example, communicationscircuitry 312 can support Wi-Fi (e.g., a 802.11 protocol), Ethernet,protocols for other short-range wireless communications links such asBluetooth™ (which is a trademark owned by Bluetooth Sig, Inc.), highfrequency systems (e.g., 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.6 GHz communicationssystems), TCP/IP (e.g., any of the protocols used in each of the TCP/IPlayers), HTTP, BitTorrent, FTP, RTP, RTSP, SSH, cellular telephonecommunications protocols, infrared, any other communications protocol,or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, communicationscircuitry 312 may include a wired or wireless network interface card(“NIC”) configured to connect to the Internet or any other public orprivate network. Communications circuitry 312 can be used to initiateand conduct communications with other devices or media players orsystems within a communications network. Communications networks will bediscussed in more detail in connection with FIG. 6.

Bus 314 can provide a data transfer path for transferring data to, from,or between processor 302, memory 304, user interface 306, display 308,input/output circuitry 310, and communications circuitry 312. Personsskilled in the art will appreciate that components do not have to bedirectly connected to each other via bus 314.

FIG. 4 shows a simplified block diagram of a device in a multimediasystem that can be controlled by a portable electronic device inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Device 400 canbe any suitable media device such as, for example, televisions, cableboxes (e.g., a cable receiver), handheld electronic devices withwireless communications capabilities, media players with wirelesscommunications capabilities, satellite receivers, set-top boxes,personal computers, personal video recorders, video cassette recorders,digital video disc (DVD) players and recorders, and any other suitablemedia devices. In some embodiments, device 400 can be any suitabledevice that can be remotely controlled such as, for example, homeautomation controls, remote controlled light fixtures, door openers,gate openers, car alarms, automatic window shades, and fireplaces. Insome embodiments, device 400 can be controlled by conventional remotecontrols (e.g., dedicated infrared remote controls) and a portableelectronic device (e.g., portable electronic device 300 of FIG. 3).

In some embodiments, device 400 can host media and computingapplications. For example, device 400 can host e-mail applications,media applications (e.g., applications that supply video, music,slideshows, and photos), media recording software, web browsers, mediasharing applications, programming guide applications, software updateapplications, game networks, or any other suitable type of applications.

Device 400 can include processor 402, memory 404, communicationscircuitry 406, and bus 408. In some embodiments, device 400 can includemore than one of each component or circuitry, but for the sake ofillustration, only one of each is shown in FIG. 4. Persons skilled inthe art will appreciate that the functionality of certain components andcircuitry can be combined or omitted and that additional components andcircuitry, which are not shown in FIG. 4, can be included in device 400.For example, device 400 can include a display (e.g., computer monitors,televisions, projectors), audio output devices (e.g., audio amplifiers,speakers, and headphones), user interface (e.g., keyboards, mice, touchscreens, trackballs), and/or input/output circuitry.

In some embodiments, device 400 can include processor 402, which caninclude circuitry used to control the operation of device 400. Forexample, processor 402 can be implemented using microprocessors,microcontrollers, digital signal processors, application specificintegrated circuits, and any other suitable integrated circuits.

Memory 404 can include one or more different types of storage. Forexample, memory 404 can include hard disk drive storage, nonvolatilememory (e.g., flash memory or any other electrically-programmable ROM),volatile memory (e.g., battery-based static or dynamic RAM), or anyother suitable type of memory. In some embodiments, processor 402 andmemory 404 can be used to run software on device 400. For example,suitable software can include remote control applications, mediaplayback applications, operating system functions, and presentationprograms.

Communications circuitry 406 can allow device 400 to communicate withone or more external devices (e.g., portable electronic device 300 ofFIG. 3) using any suitable communications protocol. For example, userinput and data can be transferred between portable electronic device 300and device 400. Communications circuitry 406 can support Wi-Fi (e.g., a802.11 protocol), Ethernet, protocols for other short-range wirelesscommunications links such as Bluetooth™ (which is a trademark owned byBluetooth Sig, Inc.), high frequency systems (e.g., 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz,and 5.6 GHz communications systems), TCP/IP (e.g., any of the protocolsused in each of the TCP/IP layers), HTTP, BitTorrent, FTP, RTP, RTSP,SSH, cellular telephone communications protocols, infrared, any othercommunications protocol, or any combination thereof.

Bus 408 can provide a data transfer path for transferring data to, from,or between processor 402, memory 404, and communications circuitry 406.Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that components do not haveto be directly connected to each other via bus 408.

FIG. 5 shows a simplified block diagram of an illustrative multimediasystem based on components that can be controlled by a portableelectronic device in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. As used in the following discussion, the term component willbe understood to include devices (e.g., device 400 of FIG. 4) in themultimedia system and applications (e.g., e-mail applications, mediaapplications, media recording software, web browsers, media sharingapplications, programming guide applications, software updateapplications, or game networks) running on or accessible from thesedevices.

In some embodiments, users may interact with a variety of differentmedia types using the components in the multimedia system. For example,multimedia system 500 can be used by a user to view media. Multimediasystem 500 can be used to play compact disks, video disks, tapes, andhard-drive-based or flash-disk-based media files. The songs, videos, andother content maybe presented to the user using speakers and displayscreens. As another example, visual content such as a television programthat is received from a cable provider can be displayed on a television.As yet another example, audio content such as a song can be streamedfrom an on-line source or can be played back from a local hard-drive.

Multimedia system 500 can include one or more components such ascomponent 502, component 504, and component 506. Persons skilled in theart will appreciate that the components provided are merely illustrativeand that any suitable components capable of communicating with theportable electronic device, which are not shown in FIG. 5, can beincluded in multimedia system 500.

Component 502 can include any suitable type of media display device,such as, for example, a cathode-ray tube (CRT) television, ahigh-definition television, plasma screen, liquid crystal display (LCD),organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, or any other suitabledisplay device. In some embodiments, component 502 can include atelevision tuner. In some embodiments, a user can control the state ofcomponent 502 using a remote control. For example, the user may use aremote control to change the current television channel on thetelevision tuner or adjust the volume produced by speakers in component502. In some embodiments, component 502 can send audio and video signalsto component 506 while simultaneously sending audio to component 504 forplayback over speakers 508.

Component 504 can include any suitable type of audio-video receivingdevice. In some embodiments, component 504 can be an audio-videoreceiver that can switch among various video and audio inputs. Component504 can be used to amplify audio signals for playback over speakers 508.In some embodiments, audio (e.g., digital or analog audio) fromcomponent 502 and component 506 can be transmitted to component 504 foramplification.

Component 506 can include a set-top box. For example, component 506 canbe a cable receiver, computer-based set-top box, network-connected mediaplayback equipment, personal video recorder, digital video recorder,digital video disc (DVD) players, or any other suitable set-top box. Insome embodiments, component 506 can receive television signals from atelevision provider on a television signal input line. In someembodiments, a tuner in component 506 can be used to tune to a desiredtelevision channel. A video and audio signal corresponding to thischannel can be provided to components 502 and 504. In some embodiments,component 506 can provide recorded content (e.g., content that has beenrecorded on a hard-drive) and downloaded content (e.g., video and audiofiles that have been downloaded from the Internet) to components 502 and504.

In some embodiments, components 502, 504, and 506 can be connected vialinks 510. Links 510 can provide communication for multimedia system 500using any suitable type of wired or wireless communication technology.For example, component 504 can receive audio signals from component 502and component 506 via links 510. In some embodiments, links 510 canallow components in multimedia system 500 to connect to a portableelectronic device (e.g., portable electronic device 300 of FIG. 3) evenif those components do not have direct access to the portable electronicdevice. For example, components in multimedia system 500 with directaccess can use links 510 to form a bridge between the portableelectronic device and the components without direct access. Personsskilled in the art will appreciate that the links between the componentsshown in FIG. 5 are merely illustrative and that the components can beconnected in any suitable manner.

Components 502, 504, and 506 can include communications circuitry 512.Communications circuitry 512 can be used to implement one or morecommunication protocols and can be the same as or similar tocommunications circuitry 406 of FIG. 4. In some embodiments,communications circuitry 512 can be used to exchange data betweencomponents in multimedia system 500 and the portable electronic device.A more detailed discussion of remote control communications protocol ina multimedia system may be found, for example, in Cannistraro et al.,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/955,383, filed Dec. 12, 2007,entitled “Remote Control Protocol for Media Systems Controlled byPortable Devices,” which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a communications system which can beoperated in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.Communications system 600 can include portable electronic device 602,component 604, and component 606. Portable electronic device 602 can bethe same as or similar to portable electronic device 300 (FIG. 3).Components 604 and 606 can be components within a multimedia system.Communications network 610 can be used by portable electronic device 602to perform wireless communications with other components withincommunications network 610 (e.g., component 604). Althoughcommunications system 600 can include several of portable electronicdevices 602, components 604, and components 606, only one of each isshown in FIG. 6 to avoid overcomplicating the drawing.

Any suitable circuitry, device, system or combination of these (e.g., awireless communications infrastructure including communications towersand telecommunications servers) operative to create a communicationsnetwork can be used to create communications network 610. Communicationsnetwork 610 can be capable of providing wireless communications usingany suitable short-range or long-range communications protocol.Communications network 610 can support, for example, satellitetechnology, television broadcast technology, wireless universal serialbus technology, Internet, Ethernet, Wi-Fi (e.g., an 802.11 protocol),Bluetooth (registered trademark), high frequency systems (e.g., 900 MHz,2.4 GHz, and 5.6 GHz communication systems), light-based wirelesssystems, sound-based wireless systems, other relatively localizedwireless communication protocol, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, communications network 610 can support protocolsused by wireless and cellular phones and personal email devices (e.g., aBlackberry®). Such protocols can include, for example, G8M, G8M plusEDGE, CDMA, quadband, and other cellular protocols. As another example,long range communications protocols can be used, such as Wi-Fi andprotocols for placing or receiving calls using VOIP or LAN. Portableelectronic device 602 and component 604, when located withincommunications network 610, can wirelessly communicate over a localwireless communication link such as link 640.

Portable electronic device 602 can be coupled with component 606 overlink 642. Link 642 can be a wired link that is coupled to both portableelectronic device 602 and component 606.

The communications sent and received between portable electronic device602 and components 604 and 606 can include any suitable type of one-wayor two-way communications. In some embodiments, to control the operationof components 604 and 606, portable electronic device 602 can transmitremote control signals to components 604 and 606. In addition,components 604 and 606 can broadcast data signals that can correspond tothe states of the components to portable electronic device 602. Suitablestates can include software and/or hardware settings that can becontrolled by portable electronic device 602, such as, for example, thecurrent volume setting and/or the current playback speed of a mediaitem.

In some embodiments, states of components can include the locations ofthe components. For example, lights and TV located in the living roomcan broadcast to portable electronic device 602 that they are located inthe living room. In some embodiments, the components can determine theirlocations based on GPS signals. In response to receiving the location ofeach component, portable electronic device 602 can build an internal mapof the components and store the internal map in memory (e.g., memory 304of FIG. 3).

In some embodiments, one or more servers on components 604 and 606 canbroadcast the components' identifiers and states to portable electronicdevice 602. For example, components 604 and 606 can use servers 612 and614 to broadcast media content to portable electronic device 602 (e.g.,as downloaded files or streaming media). Servers 612 and 614 can use anysuitable wired or wireless communications link, such as links 640 and642, to communicate with portable electronic device 602.

The states of components 604 and 606 can be broadcast at specifiedtimes. For example, the states of components 604 and 606 can bebroadcast whenever the states change. As another example, the states ofthe components can be broadcast at preset time intervals.

In some embodiments, portable electronic device 602 can include remoteclient 616, which can provide a communications interface betweenportable electronic device 602 and components in the multimedia system(e.g., components 604 and 606). For example, remote client 616 cantransmit remote control commands to the components. As another example,remote client 616 can allow servers 612 and 614 to communicate with aremote control application on portable electronic device 602. The remotecontrol application can be implemented using software stored in memory(e.g., memory 304 of FIG. 3) and can be executed by the processor (e.g.,processor 302 of FIG. 3).

As discussed previously, some components in the multimedia system (e.g.,devices) can host one or more applications. For example, component 604can include application 618 and plug-in 620.

In some embodiments, plug-in 620 can provide application 618 with remotecontrol functionality. For example, plug-in 620 can extract the state ofapplication 618 and can provide the state to server 612. The state ofapplication 618 can include both passive elements and active elements.Passive elements can include, for example, images (e.g., album covers),videos, title names, artist names, album names, or any other suitablepassive elements. Active elements can include functions of anapplication that can be remotely controlled. For example, activeelements can include a volume setting, a highlight region in a list ofmedia items (e.g., a list of media items that a media player applicationcan access), playback controls (e.g., play, pause, rewind,fast-forward), contrast settings, equalizer settings, and any othersuitable active elements.

In some embodiments, plug-in 620 can receive a remote control commandfrom server 612 and can perform the desired action for application 618.For example, when a remote control command from portable electronicdevice 602 indicates that the volume of a media playback operation inapplication 618 should be raised, plug-in 620 can adjust the volumeaccordingly. As another example, when a remote control command indicatesthat a user has selected a media item for playback, plug-in 620 candirect application 618 to initiate media playback of the media item.

In some embodiments, if a device hosts one or more applications that areoperative to be controlled, one or more servers (e.g., server 612) onthe device can broadcast the availability of the applications toportable electronic device 602. For example, server 612 can broadcastthat component 604 hosts application 618, which has plug-in 620providing remote control functionality. In some embodiments, remoteclient 616 can respond to the broadcast information. For example, remoteclient 616 can request to activate the remote control functionality. Asa result, server 612 can receive remote control commands from remoteclient 616 and can forward the remote control commands to plug-in 620.In addition, the state of application 618 can be broadcast to remoteclient 616 at specified times (e.g., when the state changes or at presettime intervals).

FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of an illustrative display screen of ahome screen in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.Display screen 700 (e.g., a springboard) can include options 702representing applications that the user may access. The applications caninclude text, calendar, photos, camera, phone, mail, or any othersuitable application that a portable electronic device, such as portableelectronic device 300 (FIG. 3), can execute. Display screen 700 can bedisplayed on the portable electronic device when the portable electronicdevice is first turned on or when the portable electronic device hasexited out of an application that was running. Display screen 700 canalso be displayed when a user presses button 704 while the portableelectronic device is still running an application.

The portable electronic device can launch a remote control applicationin one or more ways. For example, the portable electronic device candisplay an option for the remote control application (in fact, highlightregion 706 in FIG. 7 is shown to be highlighting a remote controlapplication). In response to receiving a user instruction to launch theremote control application (e.g., in response to receiving a selectionof the remote control application in options 702), the portableelectronic device can launch the remote control application. As anotherexample, the remote control application can be launched automaticallywhen a user brings the portable electronic device into the proximity ofa multimedia system.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of an illustrative display screen foridentifying devices that can be controlled in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. Display screen 800 can includelistings 802, which can identify all the devices that the portableelectronic device was able to discover. For example, the portableelectronic device can receive information that has been broadcast bydevices in the multimedia system.

In some embodiments, servers on each device (e.g., servers 612 and 614of FIG. 6) can broadcast one or more identifiers that are based on theinternet protocol (IP) address of the device. In response to receivingthe identifiers, the portable electronic device can establish acommunications link with the device. The portable electronic device canestablish a communications link by, for example, opening a networksocket based on a protocol such as transmission control protocol (TCP),user datagram protocol (UPD), or internet protocol (IP).

Once the portable electronic device discovers the devices, the portableelectronic device can receive the states of the software and hardwarerunning on the devices. As a result, the states are “device pushed” tothe portable electronic device. Indicators 804 can specify the activitylevel of a device. For example, a media device can be considered activeif it is currently performing a media playback operation. As anotherexample, an appliance (e.g., fireplace or lamp) can be considered activeif it is turned on. A user can select a listing 802 by placing highlightregion 806 over the listing. In some embodiments, in response toreceiving a user selection of a listing, the portable electronic devicecan display a graphic image based, at least in part, on the controls ofa device.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of an illustrative display screen forcontrolling a device in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. Display screen 900 can include control options 902, which canallow the user to control the state of the device. Control options 902can include one or more movable portions that can be displaced by theuser. For example, the user may use power control 904 to select to turnon or off the device. As another example, the user may use volume slider906 to adjust the volume. As yet another example, the user may usechannel control 908 to adjust the channel up or down. In addition, theuser may use text box 910 to enter a channel directly. For example, inresponse to the user selecting text box 910, the portable electronicdevice can display a numeric keypad, which the user may use to enter anew channel.

As still yet another example, display screen 900 can include selectablearrows 912, which can allow the user to navigate menu items on thedevice. Display screen 900 can also include options 914, which canprovide the user with access to more detailed controls for the device(e.g., a media guide, menu, and recorded programs).

Referring back to FIG. 8, display screen 800 can include options 808,which can allow the user to access applications that are hosted on aparticular device. In some embodiments, the applications can bedisplayed in listings 802 under the device that is hosting theapplications and above the following device. In some embodiments, theapplications can be displayed on a different display screen. In responseto the user selecting an option in options 808, the portable electronicdevice can display the applications.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of an illustrative display screen foraccessing applications hosted on a device in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. Display screen 1000 can includelistings 1002 for each of the applications on a device. The user mayaccess an application by selecting a listing (e.g., placing highlightregion 1004 over a listing). For example, the user may access a “PHOTO”application and use the portable electronic device to browse or editphotos. As another example, the user may access a “SLIDESHOW”application and use the portable electronic device to advance the slidesin a presentation. As yet another example, the user may access a“SOFTWARE FOR LIGHTS” application and use the portable electronic deviceto control the lights.

In some embodiments, display screen 1000 can include indicators 1006,which can specify the activity level of an application. For example, the“MUSIC” application can be considered active if it is playing a song. Asanother example, the “SOFTWARE FOR LIGHTS” application can be consideredactive if it is currently controlling the lights in a room.

Referring back to FIG. 8, display screen 800 can include “SAVE” option810, which can provide the user with an indication that the states ofcomponents in the multimedia system can be saved. In some embodiments,the user may select to save the states of components by pressing abutton (e.g., button 704 of FIG. 7) on the portable electronic device orselecting “SAVE” option 810.

In some embodiments, in response to the user selecting to save thestate, the portable electronic device can automatically save the statesof any suitable component in the scene. For example, the portableelectronic device can save the states of all components in the scene. Asanother example, the portable electronic device can save the states ofcomponents in a particular location.

The portable electronic device can determine the locations of componentsin one or more ways. For example, the portable electronic device candetermine the locations based on the states broadcast from thecomponents. As another example, the portable electronic device candetermine the locations based on the internal map of the components thatis stored in memory (e.g., memory 304 of FIG. 3). As yet anotherexample, the portable electronic device can detect the strength of thesignals broadcast from the components. The portable electronic devicecan then determine which components have the strongest signal strengthand are therefore in the same location as the portable electronicdevice. After determining the components that are in a particularlocation, the portable electronic device can automatically save thestates of those components.

In some embodiments, in response to the user selecting “SAVE” option 810or pressing a button, the portable electronic device can provide theuser with an option to save the states of a subset of the components(e.g., devices and applications) in the multimedia system.

FIG. 11 shows a schematic view of an illustrative display screen forsaving a scene in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. Display screen 1100 can include listings 1102 of all of thedevices in the multimedia system that can be saved in a scene. In someembodiments, the user may select to view applications on a device thatcan be saved in a scene. For example, in response to the user selectingoption 1104 for a “COMPUTER”, the portable electronic device can displayapplications that are hosted on the “COMPUTER”.

The devices in listings 1102 can be organized and displayed based on oneor more criteria obtained from any suitable source. For example, thecriteria can be obtained from information broadcast by servers on thedevices (e.g., while discovering the devices or from the states of thedevices). As another example, the criteria can be obtained frominformation that has been specified by the user. The user may, forexample, specify that a particular device is located in the living room.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that any suitable criteriacan be used to organize the devices. For example, as shown in listings1102, the devices are organized based on the category of each device.Suitable categories can include televisions, sound devices, computers,electronics accessories, gaming systems, appliances, miscellaneousdevices, or any other suitable categories. As another example, thedevices can be organized based on the devices' names (e.g., the devicescan be displayed alphabetically). As yet another example, the devicescan be organized based on their locations.

In some embodiments, the user may select to view devices organized baseda different criteria. For example, in response to the user selecting“VIEW” option 1106, the portable electronic device can display thedevices based on their locations.

FIG. 12 shows a schematic view of another illustrative display screenfor saving a scene in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. Display screen 1200 can include listings 1202, which canorganize the devices based on their locations. Suitable locations caninclude, for example, living room, bedroom, study, office, and any othersuitable locations of the multimedia system. In some embodiments, if theportable electronic device has or is connected to a large display, thedevices can be represented graphically based on their locations. Thisorganization allows the user to easily see the locations of each device.As a result, the user may save a scene that is localized to a particularroom.

As discussed previously, locations can be obtained from any suitablesource. For example, locations can be broadcast from the components(e.g. locations can be included in the states of the components). Asanother example, the user may specify the location of a component. Asyet another example, the portable electronic device can determine thelocations based the strength of the signals broadcast from thecomponents.

In some embodiments, in response to the user selecting “VIEW” option1204, the portable electronic device can return to displaying thedevices based on their categories (e.g., FIG. 11). In some embodiments,if the user continuously selects one or more “VIEW” options (e.g.,“VIEW” options 1106 and 1204), the portable electronic device canalternate between displaying display screens 1100 and 1200.

Referring back to FIG. 11, display screen 1100 can include options 1108associated with the devices in listings 1102. In some embodiments, theuser may select a subset of the devices in listings 1102 to include in aparticular scene. For example, when a user selects an option in options1108, the portable electronic device can animate the option to changeits appearance (e.g., a horizontal bar can be changed to a verticalbar). In some embodiments, in response to the user selecting option1108, “DELETE” option 1110 can be displayed. “DELETE” option 1110 caninclude, for example, text, a graphic image, or any combination thereof.In some embodiments, in response to the user selecting option 1104, theportable electronic device can provide delete options for applicationsthat are hosted on a device. The user may then select one or moreapplications to delete from the scene.

In some embodiments, in response to the user selecting “DELETE” option1110 for a device (e.g., “TV1”), the portable electronic device canremove the device from the scene and display the devices that are stillincluded in the scene.

FIG. 13 shows a schematic view of yet another illustrative displayscreen for saving a scene in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. Display screen 1300 can include listings 1302 ofdevices that the user has selected to include in the scene. For example,“TV1” has been deleted from the scene and does not appear in listings1302.

In some embodiments, display screen 1300 can include “ADD DEVICE” option1304, which can provide the user with components that have not beenincluded in the scene but can be controlled by the portable electronicdevice. For example, the components may have previously been deletedfrom the scene, or the components may have recently been added to themultimedia system. In response to the user selecting “ADD DEVICE” option1304, the portable electronic device can display those components thathave not been included in the scene.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic view of an illustrative display screen foradding devices to a scene in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. Display screen 1400 can include listings 1402 ofdevices in the multimedia system that are not included in the scene. Insome embodiments, the user may add devices to the scene by selectingoption 1404. In some embodiments, once the user selects to add a device,the portable electronic device can remove the device from listings 1402and add the device to the scene. Once the user has finished addingdevices to the scene, the user may select “BACK” option 1406 to returnto display screen 1300 (FIG. 13).

Referring back to FIG. 13, display screen 1300 can include text box1306, which can allow the user to assign a label to the scene. In someembodiments, the user may use the label to identify the scene. Forexample, when the user selects text box 1306, the portable electronicdevice can display an alphanumeric keypad for the user to enter a labelfor the scene. The user may use the alphanumeric keypad to label thescene as “STUDY MODE.” The user may select to save the scene on theportable electronic device by selecting “SAVE” option 1308 or bypressing a button (e.g., button 704 of FIG. 7). In some embodiments,“SAVE” option 1308 can be un-selectable (e.g., grayed out or invisible)until the user enters a label for the scene. In response to the userselecting “SAVE” option 1308, the portable electronic device can savethe components (e.g., devices and applications) and their current statesin memory (e.g., memory 304 of FIG. 3). The portable electronic devicecan then provide a summary of the saved scene to the user.

FIG. 15 shows a schematic view of an illustrative display screen forproviding a summary of a saved scene in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention. Display screen 1500 can include listings 1502,which can provide the user with devices that can be controlled in thesaved scene. Label 1504 can identify the saved scene. In someembodiments, indicators 1506 can specify the activity level of eachdevice. In addition, the user may select option 1508 to control theapplications that are hosted on a device.

In some embodiments, display screen 1500 can include “ALL DEVICES”option 1510, which can allow the user to view all the devices in themultimedia system that can be controlled. In some embodiments, inresponse to the user selecting “ALL DEVICES” option 1510, display screen800 (FIG. 8) can be displayed.

In some embodiments, the user may save updates to the scene by selecting“SAVE” option 1512. In response to the user selecting “SAVE” option1512, the portable electronic device can save any changes to the statesof the components since the scene was last saved. For example, the usermay have changed the volume setting on the speakers or the applicationthat is running on the computer.

In some embodiments, the user may change the components that areincluded in the scene by selecting “EDIT” option 1514. In response tothe user selecting “EDIT” option 1514, the portable electronic devicecan provide a display screen similar to display screen 1900 (FIG. 19).The user may then select to delete components from the scene, add otheravailable components to the scene, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the portable electronic device can allow the userto set up a scene in which the states of components change with time.For example, for a “DINNER” scene, the user may specify that the musicgets softer as it gets later in the evening. As another example, for a“BABYSITTING” scene, the user may specify that the volume on thetelevision decreases as it gets later in the evening. At a given time inthe night, the television can turn off.

In some embodiments, the user may set up the scene so that the scene isautomatically restored at a certain time of the day. A scene can belinked to an alarm on the portable electronic device or on any suitablecomponent in the multimedia system. For example, a “WAKE-UP” scene canbe set up to turn on the lights, the media player, and the coffee pot at8 am.

FIG. 16 shows illustrative XML code that can be used to save a scene inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. A scene can besaved as a preference file on the portable electronic device. In someembodiments, the preference file can be in a markup language format.Suitable markup languages can include hypertext markup language (HTML),extensible markup language (XML), or any other variation of markuplanguages. The use of markup language can allow the preference file tobe handled by a wide variety of components. Persons skilled in the artwill appreciate that XML file 1600 is merely illustrative and that ascene can be saved in any suitable format.

XML file 1600 can include scene tag 1602 and corresponding close scenetag 1604, which can define the beginning and end of a scene. Label tag1606 can define a label for the scene. For example, label tag 1606 canbe used by the portable electronic device to display onscreen text thatidentifies a scene as “ROMANCE MOVIE NIGHT.”

Component tags 1608 and 1610 can be used to define the beginning and endof the saved state of component 1612 (“COMPONENT1”). Identifier tags1614 and 1616 and ID 1618 can be used by the portable electronic deviceto associate other information (e.g., information stored in memory 304of FIG. 3) with the component. For example, the portable electronicdevice can use ID 1618 to find one or more criteria for organizingcomponents in a listing (e.g., listings 1102 of FIG. 11). The portableelectronic device can, for example, discover that “COMPONENT1” is atelevision and is located in the living room. As another example, theportable electronic device can use ID 1618 to find an interface templatefor displaying the controls of the component. The portable electronicdevice can, for example, use ID 1618 to determine if the controls can bedisplayed in a customized configuration or a generic configuration.

Screen elements tag 1620 and corresponding close screen elements tag1622 can define the beginning and end of a screen elements section forcomponent 1612. A screen element can be passive (e.g., an element thatcan provide information about the current state of the component) oractive (e.g., an element that can display information and/or can becontrolled based on user input). Label tag 1624 can define a label forthe component. For example, the portable electronic device can use labeltag 1624 to display on-screen text that identifies a component as “TV1.”

Slider tags 1626 and 1628 can define the beginning and end of sliderelement 1630. Slider element 1630 can be a passive or active screenelement and can represent a volume slider such as, for example, volumeslider 906 of FIG. 9. Label tag 1632 can specify a label for sliderelement 1630. For example, the portable electronic device can use labeltag 1632 to display on-screen text that identifies slider element 1630as a “volume” control.

Min tag 1634 can define the lowest value for slider element 1630.Similarly, max tag 1636 can define the highest value for slider element1630. Current value tag 1638 can define the current value of sliderelement 1630. In addition, slider element 1630 can be displayed invarious ways depending on the display capabilities of the portableelectronic device.

Component tags 1640 and 1642 can be used to define the beginning and endof the saved state of component 1644 (“COMPONENT2”). Component 1644 canbe another component (e.g., A/V receiver) that is included in the scene.

FIG. 17 shows a schematic view of an illustrative display screen forproviding saved scenes in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. Display screen 1700 can be displayed using any suitableapproach, including, for example, in response to the user selecting a“VIEW SAVED” option (e. g., “VIEW SAVED” option 812 of FIG. 8 or “VIEWSAVED” option 1516 of FIG. 15). Display screen 1700 can include listings1702 of scenes that have been previously saved by the user (e.g.,identified from the preference files saved on the portable electronicdevice). In some embodiments, listings 1702 can be arrangedalphabetically.

In some embodiments, the portable electronic device can keep track ofusage patterns of the saved scenes (e.g., the times and frequencies thatthe saved scenes are accessed by the user). This information can bestored in memory (e.g., memory 304 of FIG. 3). In some embodiments,listings 1702 can be arranged based on the frequency of access (e.g.,the most frequently accessed scene appears first in listings 1702). Insome embodiments, listings 1702 can be arranged based on when a scenewas last accessed (e.g., the last accessed scene appears first inlistings 1702).

Display screen 1700 can include “EDIT” option 1704, which can allow theuser to edit listings 1702. In some embodiments, in response to the userselecting “EDIT” option 1704, the portable electronic device can allowthe user to delete one or more saved scenes.

In some embodiments, the portable electronic device can provide anoption to the user to restore a saved scene. For example, the user mayselect to restore a saved scene by placing highlight region 1706 over alisting in listings 1702. In response to the user selecting to restore ascene, the portable electronic device can inspect the preference file ofthe scene, and can find the components that are listed in the preferencefile. The portable electronic device can then attempt to contact thesecomponents and verify whether the components are currently available.For example, the portable electronic device can verify if the servers onthe components are broadcasting identifiers.

If the portable electronic device discovers that a component isavailable, the portable electronic device can obtain the saved state ofthe component from the preference file, and transmit the saved state tothe component (e.g., via remote client 616 of FIG. 6). In someembodiments, a server on a device (e.g., server 612 or server 614 ofFIG. 6) can receive the saved state and restore the state of the device.In some embodiments, a plug-in on the device (e.g., plug-in 620 of FIG.6) can obtain the saved state from the server and restore the state ofan application. If the portable electronic device discovers that acomponent is not available (e.g., the component may have been removedfrom the multimedia system), the portable electronic device can skip thecomponent in the transmissions, suggest alternatives to the user (e.g.,using an alternative set of speakers or lights), or perform any othersuitable operation.

If the portable electronic device determines that a component's currentstate is the same as the saved state, the portable electronic device maynot transmit the saved state to the component. As a result, therestoring process can be faster and more efficient. After restoring thescene, the portable electronic device can provide a summary of therestored scene.

FIG. 18 shows a schematic view of an illustrative display screen forproviding a summary of a restored scene in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. Display screen 1800 can includelistings 1802, which can provide the user with devices that can becontrolled in the restored scene. For example, TV, sound, media, andmiscellaneous devices are included in the “ROMANCE MOVIE NIGHT” scene.In some embodiments, the user may select option 1804 to control theapplications that are hosted on a device.

If a particular component of the restored scene is not available, theportable electronic device can display message alert 1806 that indicatesthat the component can not be contacted. For example, if the portableelectronic device is unable to establish communications with thefireplace, a “cannot be contacted” message can be displayed. The usermay close message alert 1806 by selecting “OK” option 1808.

In some embodiments, the portable electronic device can recommendalternative components to substitute for the component that is no longeravailable. For example, the portable electronic device can recommendanother state for an existing component in the scene. As anotherexample, the portable electronic device can recommend a new componentthat is not included in the scene. In addition, the portable electronicdevice can recommend a state for the new component that closely matchesthe component that is no longer available.

In some embodiments, display screen 1800 can include “EDIT” option 1810,which can allow the user to edit the restored scene. For example, inresponse to the user selecting “EDIT” option 1810, the portableelectronic device can allow the user to add other available componentsto the scene, delete components from the scene, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 19 shows a schematic view of an illustrative display screen forediting a restored scene in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. Display screen 1900 can include listings 1902 of alisting of devices that are included in the scene. In some embodiments,the user may select to delete a device by selecting option 1904. Similarto option 1108, option 1904 can be animated in response to userselection. In some embodiments, in response to the user selecting option1904, “DELETE” option 1906 can be displayed. “DELETE” option 1906 caninclude text, a graphic image, or any combination thereof. In someembodiments, in response to the user selecting “DELETE” option 1906 fora device, the portable electronic device can delete the device from thescene. For example, the user may delete “FIREPLACE” from listings 1902.

In some embodiments, the user may add other available devices tolistings 1902 by selecting “ADD DEVICE” option 1908. In response to theuser selecting “ADD DEVICE” option 1908, the portable electronic devicecan search for other devices that can be controlled but are not includedin listings 1902. The portable electronic device can present a displayscreen similar to display screen 1400 of FIG. 14. Using the options(e.g., option 1404) of FIG. 14, described above, the user may add one ormore devices to listings 1902. The user may then select “SAVE” option1910 to save the edited scene.

In some embodiments, the portable electronic device can provide anoption for the user to create a new scene from the restored scene. Forexample, the user may assign a new label to the restored scene byentering a new label in text box 1912. In response to the user selectingto create a new scene (e.g., by selecting “CREATE NEW SCENE” option1914), the portable electronic device can create a copy of the restoredscene, and associate the copied scene with the new label.

Referring back to FIG. 17, display screen 1700 can include options 1708for changing the saved scenes that are displayed. For example, theportable electronic device can shade “ALL” option 1710 to indicate thatall saved scenes are currently displayed in listings 1702. In someembodiments, in response to the user selecting “RECOMMENDED” option1712, the portable electronic device can provide recommended scenes thatare determined to be suitable based on one or more parameters.

FIG. 20 shows a schematic view of an illustrative display screen forproviding recommended scenes in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. Display screen 2000 can include listings 2002 ofrecommended scenes determined to be suitable based on one or moreparameters. In some embodiments, “RECOMMENDED” option 2004 can be shadedto indicate that listings 2002 include recommended scenes. In someembodiments, the portable electronic device can suggest the recommendedscenes by comparing the states of components in the current scene withstates of components in the saved scenes. Suitable states can includeattributes of the media that is playing on a component, states oflights, states of miscellaneous components (e.g., fireplace), and anyother suitable states.

In some embodiments, the portable electronic device can search formetadata associated with the media that is playing on a component in thecurrent scene. For example, the user may currently be watching a movieon “TV1.” The portable electronic device can determine the genre of themovie (e.g., horror movie) and can search for one or more saved scenesin which “TV1” is playing another movie from the same genre. As anotherexample, the portable electronic device can determine the artist of asong that is playing on a “MUSIC” application, and can search for one ormore saved scenes in which the “MUSIC” application is playing anothersong by the same artist. As yet another example, the portable electronicdevice can determine that the user is watching an episode from atelevision show on ITV2″ and can search for a saved scene in which “TV2”is playing another episode from the same television show.

In some embodiments, the portable electronic device can determine thatthe user is watching an episode from a television show on “TV1” and cansearch for a saved scene in which “TV2” is playing an episode from thesame television show. In response to finding a saved scene in which“TV2” is playing the same television show, the portable electronicdevice can identify the locations of “TV1” and “TV2” (e.g., by using aninternal map). For example, the portable electronic device may find that“TV1” is located in the bedroom and “TV2” is located in the living room.When the user selects to restore the scene, the portable electronicdevice can attempt to apply the states of devices in the scene tosimilar devices around “TV1”. For example, the television volume andlights in the bedroom can be adjusted to a similar state to thetelevision volume and lights in the living room.

In some embodiments, the user may select to restore a recommended scenein listings 2002 by placing highlight region 2006 over a listing. Inresponse to the user selecting to restore a recommended scene, theportable electronic device can restore the states of components from therecommended scene.

In some embodiments, the portable electronic device can provide one ormore options that allow the user to select to continue playing thecurrent media or switch to playing media from the recommended scene. Forexample, the portable electronic device can display “YES” option 2010and “NO” option 2012. In response to the user selecting “YES” option2010, the portable electronic device can begin to play media from therecommended scene. In response to the user selecting “NO” option 2012,the portable electronic device can continue to play the current media sothat the user's viewing experience is not disrupted.

Since the user may not want to be bothered while watching media, theportable electronic device can display “YES” option 2010 and “NO” option2012 at any suitable time. For example, if the user is watching atelevision program, the portable electronic device can wait for acommercial break before displaying the options (e.g., the commercialbreak can be identified using media cues). As another example, if theuser is listening to music, the portable electronic device can waituntil there is a break in the music (e.g., the time between songs)before displaying the options. As yet another example, the portableelectronic device can immediately display the options after the userselects to restore a recommended scene. After displaying the options,the portable electronic device can wait for a user selection. The usermay not enter a selection if he prefers to continue watching the currentmedia. Therefore, if no user selection is received after a period oftime, the portable electronic device can remove the options from displayscreen 2000 and continue to play the current media. As still yet anotherexample, the user may set up the portable electronic device so that arecommended scene is automatically restored when the user selects therecommended scene. During setup, the user may also specify whether toswitch the current media to the media in the recommended scene.

As discussed previously, the portable electronic device can keep trackof usage patterns of the saved scenes. In some embodiments, the portableelectronic device can recommend scenes based on the usage patterns. Forexample, the portable electronic device can determine that the currentdate is February 14th. Based on this information, the portableelectronic device can search for a saved scene that was saved and/orrestored on the same day for the past several years. As another example,the portable electronic device can determine that the current day of theweek is Saturday, and can search for a saved scene that is accessed themost on Saturdays. As yet another example, the portable electronicdevice can use day parting to recommend a saved scene. Any suitable wayof diving the day can be used such as, for example, dividing the dayinto 8 am-10 am, 10 am-4 pm, 5 pm-6 pm, and bpm-10 pm time slots. As aresult, if the portable electronic device determines that the currenttime is 9 am, the portable electronic device can search for a savedscene that is accessed the most between Sam and 10 am. Persons skilledin the art will appreciate that any suitable criteria and/orcombinations of criteria can be used to determine recommended scenes.

In some embodiments, the user may access a listing of favorite scenes.FIG. 21 shows a schematic view of an illustrative display screen forproviding favorite scenes in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. The user may access display screen 2100 using anysuitable approach, including, for example, selecting a “FAVORITES”option (e. g., “FAVORITES” option 1714 of FIG. 17 or “FAVORITES” option2014 of FIG. 20).

Display screen 2100 can include listings 2102 of saved scenes that havebeen designated as favorite scenes. In some embodiments, “FAVORITES”option 2104 can be shaded to indicate that listings 2102 includefavorite scenes. In some embodiments, the user may designate one or moresaved scenes as favorite scenes. The user may, for example, select “ADD”option 2106 to add scenes to listings 2102. In response to receiving aselection of “ADD” option 2106, the portable electronic device candisplay saved scenes that are not currently designated as favoritescenes. The user may select one or more of these saved scenes to add tolistings 2102. In some embodiments, the user may select “EDIT” option2108 to delete one or more scenes from listings 2102. In someembodiments, the portable electronic device can automatically add themost frequently restored scenes to listings 2102.

In some embodiments, the user may select a scene in listings 2102 byplacing highlight region 2110 over a listing. In response to the userselecting a scene, the portable electronic device can restore the scene.

FIG. 22 shows a flowchart of an illustrative process for providing auser with the capability to save and restore scenes in a multimediasystem in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.Process 2200 starts at step 2202. At step 2204, a portable electronicdevice (e.g., portable electronic device 300 of FIG. 3) can displaycomponents in the multimedia system. In some embodiments, the portableelectronic device can display all components that are available in themultimedia system. For example, the portable electronic device canprovide display screen 800 (FIG. 8) to a user. In some embodiments, theportable electronic device can display components selected for a scene.For example, the portable electronic device can provide display screen1500 (FIG. 15) to a user.

At step 2206, the portable electronic device can receive userinstructions. At step 2208, the portable electronic device can determinewhether an instruction to access a component in the multimedia systemhas been received. For example, the portable electronic device candetermine whether the user has selected a component in listings 802(FIG. 8) or listings 1502 (FIG. 15). As another example, the portableelectronic device can determine whether the user has selected anapplication in listings 802 (e.g., using option 808) or listings 1502(e.g., using option 1508). If, at step 2208, the portable electronicdevice determines that an instruction to access a component has not beenreceived, process 2200 moves to step 2210. If, at step 2208, theportable electronic device instead determines that an instruction toaccess a component has been received, process 2200 moves to step 2212.

At step 2212, the portable electronic device can provide the selectedcomponent. For example, the portable electronic device can providedisplay screen 900 (FIG. 9), which can allow the user to adjust thestate of a device. As another example, the portable electronic devicecan provide display screen 1000 (FIG. 10) which can allow the user toaccess one or more applications running on a device. The user may accessa particular application by placing highlight region 1004 over a listingin listings 1002. After the user has finished adjusting the state of thecomponent, the user may select “BACK” option 916 or “BACK” option 1008to return to display screen 800 (FIG. 8). Process 2200 then moves tostep 2210.

At step 2210, the portable electronic device can determine whether aninstruction to save the scene has been received. For example, theportable electronic device can determine whether the user has selected“SAVE” option 810 (FIG. 8). If, at step 2210, the portable electronicdevice determines that an instruction to save the scene has not beenreceived, process 2200 moves to step 2214.

If, at step 2210, the portable electronic device instead determines thatan instruction to save the scene has been received, process 2200 movesto step 2216. At step 2216, the portable electronic device can save thescene. For example, the portable electronic device can store the statesof the components included in the scene in memory (e.g., memory 304 ofFIG. 3). After saving the scene, process 2200 moves to step 2214.

At step 2214, the portable electronic device can determine whether aninstruction to restore a scene has been received. For example, theportable electronic device can determine whether the user has selected“VIEW SAVED” option 812 (FIG. 8). The user may then be taken to adisplay screen such as display screen 1700 (FIG. 17). The user may thenselect to restore a scene by placing highlight region 1706 over alisting in listings 1702. If, at step 2214, the portable electronicdevice determines that an instruction to restore a scene has not beenreceived, process 2200 moves to step 2218.

If, at step 2214, the portable electronic device instead determines thatan instruction to restore a scene has been received, process 2200 movesto step 2220. At step 2220, the portable electronic device can restorethe scene. After restoring the scene, process 2200 moves to step 2218.

At step 2218, the portable electronic device can determine whether aninstruction to exit has been received. For example, the user may selectto exit process 2200 by selecting button 704 (FIG. 7). If, at step 2218,the portable electronic device determines that an instruction to exithas not been received, process 2200 moves back to step 2206, discussedpreviously. If, at step 2218, the portable electronic device insteaddetermines that an instruction to exit has been received, process 2200ends at step 2222.

FIG. 23 shows a flowchart of an illustrative process for providing thecontrols of a component to a user in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention. In some embodiments, process 2300 can beimplemented in step 2212 of process 2200 (FIG. 22).

Process 2300 starts at step 2302. At step 2304, the portable electronicdevice can receive remote control commands for a component. For example,remote control commands can be associated control options 902 or options914 of FIG. 9. After the portable electronic device finishes receivingremote control commands, process 2300 moves to step 2306.

At step 2306, the portable electronic device can transmit the remotecontrol commands to the component. For example, a remote client (e.g.,remote client 616 of FIG. 6) on the portable electronic device cantransmit the remote control commands to a server (e.g., server 612 orserver 614 of FIG. 6) on the component. After the remote controlcommands are transmitted, process 2300 moves to step 2308.

At step 2308, the portable electronic device can receive new state fromthe component. For example, a server (e.g., server 612 or server 614) ona component can broadcast the new state to the portable electronicdevice. After receiving the new state, process 2300 moves to step 2310.

At step 2310, the portable electronic device can verify if the new statehas been correctly adjusted based on the remote control commands. If, atstep 2310, the portable electronic device determines that the new statehas not been correctly adjusted, process 2300 moves back to step 2306.At step 2306, the portable electronic device can re-transmit the remotecontrol commands to the component.

If, at step 2310, the portable electronic device instead determines thatthe new state has been correctly adjusted, process 2300 ends at step2312. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that process 2300 canbe repeated for all components in a scene.

FIG. 24 shows a flowchart of an illustrative process for saving a scenein accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In someembodiments, process 2400 can be implemented in step 2216 of process2200 (FIG. 22).

Process 2400 starts at step 2402. At step 2404, the portable electronicdevice can receive user instructions. At step 2406, the portableelectronic device can determine whether an instruction to viewcomponents in an alternative organization has been received. Forexample, portable electronic device can provide display screen 1100(FIG. 11) to the user. Display screen 1100 can include listings 1102 and“VIEW” option 1106. In some embodiments, listings 1102 can includecomponents that are organized based on their categories. In someembodiments, in response to the user selecting “VIEW” option 1106, theportable electronic device can organize the components based on adifferent criteria. If, at step 2406, the portable electronic devicedetermines that an instruction to view the components in an alternativeorganization has not been received, process 2400 moves to step 2408. If,at step 2406, the portable electronic device instead determines that aninstruction to view the components in an alternative organization hasbeen received, process 2400 moves to step 2410.

At step 2410, the portable electronic device can display the componentsin an alternative organization. For example, the portable electronicdevice can provide display screen 1200 (FIG. 12) for components that areorganized based on their locations. Process 2400 then moves to step2408.

At step 2408, the portable electronic device can determine whether aninstruction to delete one or more components from the scene has beenreceived. For example, the portable electronic device can determinewhether the user has selected to delete a component (e.g., the user hasselected option 1108 and “DELETE” option 1110 of FIG. 11). If, at step2408, the portable electronic device determines that an instruction todelete one or more components has not been received, process 2400 movesto step 2412. If, at step 2408, the portable electronic device insteaddetermines that an instruction to delete one or more components has beenreceived, process 2400 moves to step 2414.

At step 2414, the portable electronic device can delete the one or morecomponents selected by the user. For example, in response to receivingan instruction to delete “TV1”, the portable electronic device candelete “TV1” from listings 1102 (FIG. 11). The portable electronicdevice can then provide display screen 1300 (FIG. 13). Process 2400 thenmoves to step 2412.

At step 2412, the portable electronic device can determine whether aninstruction to add one or more components to the scene has beenreceived. For example, the portable electronic device can determinewhether the user has selected to add a component (e.g., the user hasselected “ADD DEVICE” option 1304 of FIG. 13). If, at step 2412, theportable electronic device determines that an instruction to add one ormore components has not been received, process 2400 moves to step 2416.If, at step 2412, the portable electronic device instead determines thatan instruction to add one or more components has been received, process2400 moves to step 2418.

At step 2418, the portable electronic device can add the components thatwere selected by the user. For example, in response to the userselecting “ADD DEVICE” option 1304, the portable electronic device canprovide display screen 1400 (FIG. 14) to the user. Display screen 1400can include components in the multimedia system that can be controlledbut are not included in the scene (e.g., components that may have beenpreviously deleted by the user or components that may have recently beenadded to the multimedia system). The user may select to add one or morecomponents (e.g., by selecting option 1404), and the portable electronicdevice can add the selected components to listings 1302 (FIG. 13). Afterthe user has finished adding components to the scene, the user mayselect “BACK” option 1406 to return to display screen 1300. Process 2400then moves step 2416.

At step 2416, the portable electronic device can determine whether aninstruction to save a scene has been received. For example, the portableelectronic device can determine whether the user has selected to save ascene by selecting a “SAVE” option (e.g., “SAVE” options 1112, 1206, and1308 in FIGS. 11-13).

If, at step 2416, the portable electronic device determines that aninstruction to save a scene has been received, process 2400 moves tostep 2420. For example, in response to the user selecting a “SAVE”option, the portable electronic device can save the scene in apreference file that can be stored in memory (e.g., memory 304 of FIG.3). In some embodiments, the portable electronic device can assign alabel to the scene. For example, the user may enter a label in a textbox (e.g., text boxes 1114, 1208, and 1306 in FIGS. 11-13). After savingthe scene, process 2400 ends at step 2422.

If, at step 2416, the portable electronic device instead determines thatan instruction to save the scene has not been received, process 2400ends at step 2422. For example, the user may have selected a “BACK”option (e.g., “BACK” options 1116, 1210, and 1310 in FIGS. 11-13).

FIGS. 25A-25B show flowcharts of an illustrative process for restoring ascene in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Insome embodiments, process 2500 can be implemented in step 2220 ofprocess 2200 (FIG. 22).

Process 2500 starts at step 2502. At step 2504, the portable electronicdevice can receive user instructions. At step 2506, the portableelectronic device can determine whether an instruction to display allsaved scenes has been received. For example, the portable electronicdevice can determine whether the user has selected an “ALL” option(e.g., “ALL” options 1710, 2008, and 2112 in FIGS. 17, 20, and 21,respectively). If, at step 2506, the portable electronic devicedetermines that an instruction to display all saved scenes has not beenreceived, process 2500 moves to step 2508. If, at step 2506, theportable electronic device instead determines that an instruction todisplay all saved scenes has been received, process 2500 moves to step2510.

At step 2510, the portable electronic device can display all savedscenes to the user. For example, the portable electronic device canprovide the user with display screen 1700 (FIG. 17). Process 2500 thenmoves to step 2508.

At step 2508, the portable electronic device can determine whether aninstruction to display recommended scenes has been received. Forexample, the portable electronic device can determine whether the userhas selected a “RECOMMENDED” option (e.g., “RECOMMENDED” options 1712,2004, and 2114 in FIGS. 17, 20, and 21, respectively). If, at step 2508,the portable electronic device determines that an instruction to displayrecommended scenes has not been received, process 2500 moves to step2512. If, at step 2508, the portable electronic device insteaddetermines that an instruction to display recommended scenes has beenreceived, process 2500 moves to step 2514.

At step 2514, the portable electronic device can display recommendedscenes to the user. In some embodiments, the portable electronic devicecan determine recommended scenes based on one or more parameters (e.g.,states of components and/or usage patterns). In some embodiments, theportable electronic device can provide the user with display screen 2000(FIG. 20). Process 2500 then moves to step 2512.

At step 2512, the portable electronic device can determine whether aninstruction to display favorite scenes has been received. For example,the portable electronic device can determine whether the user hasselected a “FAVORITES” option (e.g., “FAVORITES” options 1714, 2014, and2104 in FIGS. 17, 20, and 21, respectively). If, at step 2512, theportable electronic device determines that an instruction to displayfavorite scenes has not been received, process 2500 moves to step 2516.If, at step 2512, the portable electronic device instead determines thatan instruction to display favorite scenes has been received, process2500 moves to step 2518.

At step 2518, the portable electronic device can display favorite scenesto the user. In some embodiments, the user may designate one or moresaved scenes as favorite scenes. In some embodiments, the portableelectronic device can provide the user with display screen 2100 (FIG.21). Process 2500 then moves to step 2516.

At step 2516, the portable electronic device can determine whether aninstruction to edit saved scenes has been received. For example, theportable electronic device can determine whether the user has selected“EDIT” option 1704. If, at step 2516, the portable electronic devicedetermines that an instruction to edit saved scenes has not beenreceived, process 2500 moves to step 2520. If, at step 2516, theportable electronic device instead determines that an instruction toedit saved scenes has been received, process 2500 moves to step 2522.

At step 2522, the portable electronic device can allow the user to editthe saved scenes. For example, the portable electronic device can allowthe user to delete one or more saved scenes. Process 2500 then moves tostep 2520.

At step 2520, the portable electronic device can determine whether aninstruction to restore a scene has been received. For example, theportable electronic device can determine whether the user has selected ascene by placing highlight region 1706 over a listing in listings 1702(FIG. 17). If, at step 2520, the portable electronic device determinesthat an instruction to restore a scene has not been received, process2500 ends at step 2524. For example, the user may have selected a “BACK”option (e.g., “BACK” options 1716, 2016, and 2116 in FIGS. 17, 20, and21).

If, at step 2520, the portable electronic device instead determines thatan instruction to restore a scene has been received, process 2500 movesto step 2526.

At step 2526, the portable electronic device can locate components inthe scene. For example, the portable electronic device can inspect thepreference file of the scene, and find the components that are listed inthe preference file. After locating the components, process 2500 movesto step 2528.

At step 2528, the portable electronic device can attempt to contact eachof the components in the scene. For example, the portable electronicdevice can verify if the servers on the components are broadcastingidentifiers. After attempting to contact each of the components, process2500 moves to step 2530.

At step 2530, the portable electronic device can transmit the states tothe components. For example, if a component is available, the portableelectronic device can obtain the saved state of the component from thepreference file, and transmit the saved state to the component (e.g.,via remote client 616 of FIG. 6). After transmitting the states, process2500 moves to step 2532.

At step 2532, the portable electronic device can provide a summary ofthe scene that has been restored. For example, the portable electronicdevice can provide the user with display screen 1800 (FIG. 18). In someembodiments, the portable electronic device can display message alerts(e.g., message alert 1806) for components that can not be contacted.Process 2500 ends at step 2524.

FIG. 26 shows a flowchart of an illustrative process for providingrecommended scenes in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. In some embodiments, process 2600 can be implemented in step2514 of process 2500 (FIG. 25).

Process 2600 starts at step 2602. At step 2604, the portable electronicdevice can identify recommended scenes. In some embodiments, theportable electronic device can search for recommended scenes based onstates of components in the current scene. For example, the portableelectronic device can determine metadata (e.g., genre) associated withthe media that is currently playing. The portable electronic device canthen search for components in the saved scenes that are also playingmedia similar to the media that is currently playing (e.g., same genreor episodes of the same television show). In some embodiments, theportable electronic device can search for recommended scenes based onusage patterns. For example, the portable electronic device candetermine the current date and time (e.g., day parting). Based on thisinformation, the portable electronic device can search for saved scenesthat were accessed the most for that particular date or time (or periodof time). After the portable electronic devices has finished searchingfor recommended scenes, process 2600 moves to step 2606.

At step 2606, the portable electronic device can provide the recommendedscenes to the user. For example, the portable electronic device canprovide the user with display screen 2000 (FIG. 20). After providing therecommended scenes, process 2600 moves to step 2608.

At step 2608, the portable electronic device can determine whether aninstruction to restore a recommended scene has been received. Forexample, the user may select a recommended scene by placing highlightregion 2006 over a listing in listings 2002. If, at step 2608, theportable electronic device determines that an instruction to restore arecommended scene has not been received, process 2600 ends at step 2610.

If, at step 2608, the portable electronic device instead determines thatan instruction to restore a recommended scene has been received, process2600 moves to step 2612.

At step 2612, the portable electronic device can determine if media isplaying in the current scene and in the recommended scene. If, at step2612, the portable electronic device determines that media is notplaying in both scenes, process 2600 moves to step 2614.

At step 2614, the portable electronic device can restore the recommendedscene. After restoring the recommended scene, process 2600 ends at step2610.

If, at step 2612, the portable electronic device instead determines thatmedia is playing in both scenes, process 2600 moves to step 2616. Atstep 2616, the portable electronic device can restore most of thecomponents' states in the recommended scene except for the media.

At step 2618, the portable electronic device can provide options forswitching the current media to media in the recommended scene. Forexample, the portable electronic device can display “YES” option 2010and “NO” option 2012 (FIG. 20). In some embodiments, the portableelectronic device can wait for a break in the media (e.g., commercialbreak or break between songs) before providing the options. Afterproviding the options, process 2600 moves to step 2620.

At step 2620, the portable electronic device can determine whether aninstruction to switch the media has been received. For example, the usermay select “YES” option 2010 to switch to the media in the recommendedscene, and “NO” option 2012 to continue playing the current media. If,at step 2620, the portable electronic device determines that aninstruction to switch the media has not been received, process 2600 endsat step 2610.

If, at step 2620, the portable electronic device instead determines thatan instruction to switch the media has been received, process 2600 movesto step 2622. At step 2622, the portable electronic device can switch tothe media in the recommended scene. After switching the media, process2600 ends at step 2610.

Thus it is seen that systems and methods are provided for saving andrestoring scenes in a multimedia system with minimal configuration. Itis also seen that systems and methods are provided for providingsuggestions of suitable recommended scenes based on states of componentsand usage patterns. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that theinvention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments,which are presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation,and the present invention is limited only by the claims which follow.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method implemented in one or moreelectronic devices, the method comprising: receiving current stateinformation from each of a plurality of components controllable by theone or more electronic devices; comparing the current state informationto saved state information associated with a plurality of saved scenes;identifying one or more of the saved scenes as a recommended scene basedon a result of the comparing; presenting a user interface having acontrol element operable to select one of the one or more recommendedscenes as a scene to restore; and in response to user operation of thecontrol element, restoring the selected scene.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein restoring the selected scene comprises sending a control commandto at least one of the components to change a current state of thecomponent to correspond to the saved state information associated withthe selected scene.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein restoring theselected scene further comprises: detecting that a first component forwhich saved state information is associated with the selected scene isnot available; and providing a recommendation to the user for one ormore alternative components to substitute for the first component. 4.The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of components includes atleast two of: a television; a speaker; a light fixture; a media device;a window shade; or a fireplace.
 5. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: determining a usage pattern associated with the savedscenes; and recommending to the user that one of the plurality of savedscenes be restored based on the usage pattern.
 6. The method of claim 5,wherein the usage pattern is based at least in part on a frequency ofrestoring the saved scene as a function of one or more of a particulartime of day, a particular day of week, or a particular day of year. 7.The method of claim 5, further comprising: receiving a user inputindicating that the recommended saved scene should be restored; andrestoring the recommended saved scene in response to the user input. 8.The method of claim 7, wherein restoring the recommended saved sceneincludes sending a control command to at least one of the components tochange a current state of the component to correspond to the saved stateinformation associated with the recommended saved scene.
 9. The methodof claim 1, wherein the current state information comprises one or moreof: an on/off state of one or more of the plurality of components;metadata associated with media content that is playing on one or more ofthe plurality of components; or a volume setting for one or more of theplurality of components.
 10. One or more non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium storing computer executableinstructions that, when executed by one or more processors, configuresthe one or more processors to perform instructions comprising: receivingcurrent state information from each of a plurality of componentscontrollable by the one or more electronic devices; comparing thecurrent state information to saved state information associated with aplurality of saved scenes; identifying one or more of the saved scenesas a recommended scene based on a result of the comparing; presenting auser interface having a control element operable to select one of theone or more recommended scenes as a scene to restore; and in response touser operation of the control element, restoring the selected scene. 11.The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim10, wherein restoring the selected scene comprises sending a controlcommand to at least one of the components to change a current state ofthe component to correspond to the saved state information associatedwith the selected scene.
 12. The one or more non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium of claim 11, wherein restoring theselected scene further comprises: detecting that a first component forwhich saved state information is associated with the selected scene isnot available; and providing a recommendation to the user for one ormore alternative components to substitute for the first component. 13.The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim10, wherein the instructions further comprise: determining a usagepattern associated with the saved scenes; and recommending to the userthat one of the plurality of saved scenes be restored based on the usagepattern, wherein the usage pattern is based at least in part on afrequency of restoring the saved scene as a function of one or more of aparticular time of day, a particular day of week, or a particular day ofyear.
 14. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of claim 12, wherein the instructions further comprise: receivinga user input indicating that the recommended saved scene should berestored; and restoring the recommended saved scene in response to theuser input.
 15. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of claim 14, wherein restoring the recommended saved sceneincludes sending a control command to at least one of the components tochange a current state of the component to correspond to the saved stateinformation associated with the recommended saved scene.
 16. The one ormore non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 10,wherein the current state information comprises one or more of: anon/off state of one or more of the plurality of components; metadataassociated with media content that is playing on one or more of theplurality of components; or a volume setting for one or more of theplurality of components.
 17. A system, comprising: a user interface; oneor more memory devices; and one or more processors coupled to the userinterface and the one or more memory devices, the one or more processorsbeing configured to: receive current state information from each of aplurality of components controllable by the one or more electronicdevices; compare the current state information to saved stateinformation associated with a plurality of saved scenes; identify one ormore of the saved scenes as a recommended scene based on a result of thecomparing; present, at the user interface, a control element operable toselect one of the one or more recommended scenes as a scene to restore;and in response to user operation of the control element, restore theselected scene.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein restoring theselected scene comprises sending a control command to at least one ofthe components to change a current state of the component to correspondto the saved state information associated with the selected scene. 19.The system of claim 18, wherein restoring the selected scene furthercomprises: detecting that a first component for which saved stateinformation is associated with the selected scene is not available; andproviding a recommendation to the user for one or more alternativecomponents to substitute for the first component.
 20. The system ofclaim 17, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:determine a usage pattern associated with the saved scenes; andrecommend to the user that one of the plurality of saved scenes berestored based on the usage pattern, wherein the usage pattern is basedat least in part on a frequency of restoring the saved scene as afunction of one or more of a particular time of day, a particular day ofweek, or a particular day of year.